4 Common Causes of Wildfires and How To Prevent Them

Love the great outdoors? Then do your best to protect it from wildfires. Wildfires have steadily increased over the last few decades, and the subsequent costs of cleanup and restoration have only increased. Understanding how wildfires start and knowing how to prevent them can help you enjoy nature responsibly and safely while protecting the outdoors for future generations. Here are four common causes of wildfires and how to prevent them.

Understanding Wildfires

First, understanding wildfires is critical if we’re to learn how to prevent them. Wildfires are a significant concern for anyone who spends time outdoors. They can spread quickly and have devastating effects on natural ecosystems, wildlife, and even human settlements. What’s more, the costs compound with post-fire cleanup and restoration. But wildfires don’t simply happen for no reason. Often, they’re the result of carelessness and neglect. On your next outing, be sure to keep the following four triggers in mind to lower the chance of starting a wildfire that could destroy acres of land.

Human Activities

It’s a cold, hard fact: human beings are responsible for about 85 percent of all wildfires. Unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and more astonishingly, arson are the main culprits. Generally speaking, carelessness often leads to disaster. Be sure campfires are allowed in the area you plan to stay and be aware of campfire bans and warnings about high-risk times for wildfires. Never leave a campfire unattended, and when you’re done with it, douse it, stir the coals, then douse it again. Always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the area. Don’t smoke in the woods or elsewhere, especially if it’s dry and windy. If you do smoke, use designated smoking areas and always ensure cigarettes are stubbed out and doused before throwing them away.

Lightning Strikes

Sometimes nature has a hand in starting fires. In fact, wildfires can happen naturally and are part of the process of renewing the land. Still, it’s best to keep an eye out for lighting strikes and report them to the authorities. Stay safe by staying informed about weather conditions and avoid camping in higher spots or areas that can attract lightning during a storm.

Electrical Sparks

Electrical lighting can cause wildfires. During periods of high winds and electrical storms, power lines can snap, and electrical equipment can malfunction and cast sparks, igniting nearby vegetation. You likely won’t see any electrical equipment or power lines in the deep woods, but if you do encounter these, watch for damaged or malfunctioning wires and report them to the authorities right away. Stay clear even if they’re operating perfectly. Camp at a safe remove and abstain from using any electrical equipment that might throw off sparks itself.

Vehicle-Related Fires

Some vehicles run hot under the chassis—like SUVs and trucks—so never park and run a vehicle on top of dried leaves or similar potential tinder. Take care of metal parts that may drag along the road as well. Stay on designated roads and avoid driving and idling over dried grass and other vegetation.

Those are just four common causes of wildfires and how to prevent them. Stay vigilant on your next outing! Taking practical steps to prevent wildfires protects our natural landscapes and ensures everyone continues to enjoy the great outdoors for years to come.